National Library to host conference, exhibition dedicated to ak kalpak

Bishkek, Mar. 4, 2019. /Kabar/. Alykul Osmonov National Library of the Kyrgyz Republic will host a scientific-practical conference and the opening of a book and illustrations exhibition – “Ak Kalpak and National Clothes are the Nation’s Image”, dedicated to the Day of Ak Kalpak (headdress) and national clothes on March 5, 2019 at 11.00, the National Library reported.

This holiday was established by the resolution of the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) of Kyrgyzstan of June 29, 2016 No. 825-VI, in order to preserve the significance of the headdress and national clothes of the Kyrgyz people.

Since ancient times, Ak kalpak has been considered the traditional men's headdress of the Kyrgyz, ancestral heritage and embodies a deep national philosophy. Its shape and patterns have not change over the years and passed down from generation to generation. According to them, the Kyrgyz learned about the age and status of the owner of the headdress. And in our time, Ak kalpak is popular in the country, it is presented to the hero of the day, it is worn work, during visits, holidays, and it is given to foreign guests of honor.

The headdress is given to the person elected or appointed to a post, and the dress uniform of Kyrgyz athletes necessarily includes it at international competitions.

Ak kalpak is a symbol of mountains and purity. Its shape resembles the snowy peaks of mountainous Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz people treat the national headdress Ak kalpak with particular care – it must not be thrown, twisted, treated carelessly.

At the conference, the following issues will be discussed: the significance of Ak kalpak, the history of the development of the national headdress of the Kyrgyz people, the content of the costume theme in the folklore texts, the artistic originality of the national clothes of the Kyrgyz people, as well as instilling the sense of pride in young people for their culture.

The exhibition will present books, articles and publications of scientists, researchers, materials of scientific conferences, as well as photographic documents.

The event will be attended by public figures, scholars, poets, writers, cultural workers and artists, media representatives, as well as students of universities in Bishkek.